CDC Panel Says “Let’s Shake Things Up and Change Those COVID Vaccine Recommendations!”
So, here’s the scoop: the ACIP just did a complete 180 on their recommendation for COVID-19 vaccinations. They decided that adults 65 and older can now make their own call on getting the jab or chat with their doc about it. And for the younger crowd, aged 6 months to 64 years, it’s all about personal choice too. They made it clear that the perks of getting vaccinated are more obvious for those at higher risk of getting seriously sick.
What Went Down at the ACIP Meeting
Let me tell you, things got pretty wild during the debate on the safety and effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. A dude named Retsef Levi, who’s got some doubts about COVID-19 vaccines and teaches at MIT Sloan School of Management, was the ringleader of the discussion. The CDC crew showed some solid evidence that COVID-19 vaccines still do their job in preventing bad outcomes like hospital stays and death, even in little ones. But some ACIP members weren’t buying it and tried to argue against vaccine safety.
The Aftermath
The ACIP vote dropped like a bombshell. Just last month, the FDA said the new COVID-19 boosters were only for folks 65 and up or those at risk of getting super sick. Now, with this new stance on personal choice, some peeps might have a harder time snagging those booster shots if they want ’em. Places like New York are making sure everyone can still get the vaccine, though. The biggest insurer, Health Insurance Plans, said they’re sticking with their original plan for vaccine coverage. The ACIP put the kibosh on universal vaccinations in a tight 6-6 vote and now you need a doc’s prescription to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The ACIP prez cast the deciding “no” vote to break the tie.
